Flatonia Truck Struck, Totaled in Interstate Pileup

Wednesday evening, a series of accidents on Interstate 10 left several 18-wheelers jack-knifed and totaled one Flatonia fire truck that responded to the scene.

It started with an accident between a big rig and another automobile that left a driver pinned in the vehicle. Fayette County Deputies Ulbig, Mack, Olvera and McCleney responded along with the Flatonia FD, Flatonia PD, Medic 3 and Lee County Trooper Dozier.

While on scene with the original wreck, another vehicle slammed into the back of the Flatonia firetruck. That driver was seriously injured and transported. Shortly after, traffic began to back up. Several more accidents occurred with several big rigs who also ended up with their trucks jack-knifed. It took more than two hours to clear the roadway.

Flatonia Fire Chief John Burleson said EMS checked out several Flatonia firemen as a precaution, but they were all okay.

Their firetruck, however, was totaled and will have to be replaced. The department has backup equipment and the loss won’t affect the fire department’s ability to respond to emergencies. The truck was insured.